Uji, Kyoto.
For many, the name conjures the fragrance of fine matcha. Nestled in the southern outskirts of Kyoto, Uji has long been revered as Japan’s spiritual home of tea—a town where a thousand years of tea culture quietly breathes through stone paths and wooden facades.
In the heart of this town stands a tea merchant with history etched into its walls:
Nakamura Tokichi Main Store, founded in 1854 during the Ansei era. For over 170 years, this esteemed establishment has been crafting tea with an unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.
At the entrance, a noble emblem greets visitors—a simple circle enclosing a cross. This symbol, known as “Maruto” (丸十), is the store’s traditional family crest and brand mark, representing generations of dedication to the art of tea.
It is from this emblem that the “Maruto Parfait [Matcha]” takes its name—a dessert so refined, it is available only at the Uji Main Store.
Tasting Uji in a Single Bowl
The Maruto Parfait is not merely a dessert. It is a layered story of Uji itself.
Served in a handcrafted ceramic vessel, the parfait’s surface is a visual poem—powdered Uji matcha creates a lush green landscape, reminiscent of a moss garden in Kyoto. At the center, a pristine white “Maruto” crest floats like a seal of pride and authenticity.
But beneath this tranquil surface lies a treasure trove of flavors and textures. Each spoonful reveals a carefully curated sequence of ingredients:
- Silky matcha whipped cream, gentle and aromatic
- Airy matcha chiffon cake, melting delicately
- Rich matcha ice cream, with a harmony of depth and fragrance
- A surprising hint of lemon jam, lending brightness and contrast
- Soft shiratama mochi, tea jelly, and sweet azuki beans
- Accents of fresh berries for color and tang
Each layer unfolds like a tea ceremony—measured, intentional, and deeply satisfying. It is not simply a parfait; it is an edible expression of the seasons, the soil, and the soul of Uji.
What Is “Maruto”?
The name “Maruto” refers to the circular cross crest (○に十) that represents Nakamura Tokichi’s historic brand. More than a symbol, it is a philosophy—a mark of sincerity, quality, and harmony with nature.
By naming the parfait after this crest, the store honors its heritage while presenting matcha in a form both elegant and contemporary. The Maruto Parfait is thus a modern tea experience that embodies a legacy centuries in the making.
An Invitation to the Five Senses
To step into Nakamura Tokichi is to enter a world where tea is not only consumed, but felt.
Set within a renovated machiya townhouse, the tea room offers an atmosphere of deep calm. Subtle lighting, timber beams, and handmade ceramics converge to create a sanctuary of stillness. Soft breezes carry the chime of wind bells, adding a gentle soundtrack to your visit.
Tea products and artisanal gifts are available in the adjoining shop, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this refined culture. But the highlight remains the dessert itself—a matcha experience crafted for all five senses.
Uji: A Town to Taste Slowly
After savoring the Maruto Parfait, the town of Uji invites you to linger.
Stroll along the Uji River, where the statue of Murasaki Shikibu gazes across the water, her brush mid-stroke, eternal. This is the setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji—a literary echo that enriches the experience of any traveler with a poetic soul.
Cross the historic Uji Bridge, let the wind tousle your hair, and explore tea shops tucked along the quiet lanes. Here, matcha is not a trend—it is a way of life.
When Dessert Becomes a Memory
Travel, at its best, nourishes the spirit as much as the body. The finest journeys are those that awaken your senses, anchor you in the moment, and leave you changed in subtle ways.
The Maruto Parfait at Nakamura Tokichi does exactly that.
It is a quiet luxury, not showy but deeply resonant.
A dessert that speaks in whispers and lingers like the aftertaste of fine tea.
In Closing: A Gentle Indulgence
If you find yourself in Kyoto, and seek an experience both refined and restorative, journey to Uji.
There, in a shaded tea house with a humble crest, you’ll discover not just a parfait, but a portal into Japan’s most graceful traditions.
The Maruto Parfait [Matcha] is not simply eaten. It is remembered.
Address
1-10 Uji, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Phone Number
+81-774-22-7800
Business Hours
Tea Shop: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Café: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last Order: 4:30 PM)
中村藤吉本店(なかむらとうきちほんてん)公式サイト｜京都 宇治 お茶
にほんのお茶へできること。にほんのお茶ができること。『生茶ゼリイ』をはじめとするスイーツやカフェで特別な時間を楽しめる日本茶テイメントをお届けします。
Follow me!
